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Weather Bulletin : Winter Storm Warning : Along & Near BRP & Skyline Drive (EXPIRED)

Tommy
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Weather Bulletin : Winter Storm Warning : Along & Near BRP & Skyline Drive (EXPIRED)

WINTER STORM WARNING
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
820 AM EST Sun Dec 10 2023
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge (Including Wintergreen-Montebello-Humpback Rocks-Afton Mtn & Big Meadows)
820 AM EST Sun Dec 10 2023

…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING
TO 6 AM EST MONDAY…

* WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow will range between 2 to
4 inches between 1,000 and 3,000 feet with 4 to 8 inches above
3,000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE…Northern Virginia Blue Ridge.

* WHEN…From 8 PM this evening to 6 AM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous
conditions will cause snow covered and slippery surfaces.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Rain will change to snow this evening
between between 9 and 11 PM with temperatures rapidly falling
below freezing. The combination of snow and blowing snow will
reduce visibility below one-half mile at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on
steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery,
increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

Click here for the specific local forecast for the BRP and higher elevations.

Light Dusting Of Snow Hits Wintergreen Overnight

Tommy
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Light Dusting Of Snow Hits Wintergreen Overnight

Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia

As expected light snow fell overnight Tuesday in the mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. Most folks just saw a light dusting to about an inch of accumulation.

A sure sign winter is arriving!

AMHERST : Semi Crash Blocks US 29 – Roadway OPEN : Update 4:30 PM

Tommy
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AMHERST : Semi Crash Blocks US 29 – Roadway OPEN : Update 4:30 PM

North of Town Of Amherst
South of 29/151 Intersection
Amherst Co, VA

From VSP:

“Virginia State Police is investigating a single-vehicle crash in Amherst County. The crash occurred Dec. 4, 2023, at 9:05 a.m. on Route 29/N. Amherst Highway near Kintyre Lane.

A tractor-trailer was traveling north on Route 29 when it ran off the right side of the highway, struck the guardrail and overturned.

The driver, Michael W. Kimble, 46, of North Carolina, was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was wearing a seat belt.

Kimble was cited for reckless driving.

The tractor-trailer was hauling several hundred live turkeys. Several of the turkeys escaped into the nearby woods following the crash. With the assistance of the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office and multiple area fire and rescue squads, state police were able to round up all escaped turkeys. The turkeys were then transported from the scene.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was also notified of the incident.

Corinne Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”

From VDOT:
“Description:

On US-29 in the County of Amherst, in the vicinity of Kintyre Ln; Rt. 725E/W (Amherst County), motorists can expect delays due to a tractor trailer crash. All north lanes are closed.
Northbound traffic is being detoured of off US-29, onto VA-151 North, then onto VA-56 East, and back onto US-29 North.
Last updated:
Mon 12/04/2023 12:58 PM EST

According to motorists reports and VDOT information, US 29 (northbound) is closed north of the US 29/151 intersection. A detour is in place.

Expect MAJOR delays in this area as cleanup is expected to take a long time. An alternate route is highly advised!

VDOT : The crash site along US 29 NB on Monday morning – December 4, 2023.

VDOT : Prepped & Ready For 2023-2024 Winter Weather Season

Tommy
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VDOT : Prepped & Ready For 2023-2024 Winter Weather Season

 

$220 million budget, equipment, materials and staff are ready to go
RICHMOND, Va. – While snow might not be at the top of most people’s minds right now, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is at the height of preparation for the upcoming winter season. Equipment, materials and staffing are in place and ready to go the moment winter weather arrives.

“Those traveling in and through the Commonwealth can be confident in VDOT’s preparedness as the seasons change,” said VDOT Chief of Maintenance and Operations Kevin Gregg. “With more than 57,000 lane miles of roadway to maintain across the Commonwealth, our focus remains on the safety of the traveling public, especially during inclement weather. Recent operational improvements mean our crews are trained, experienced and equipped to get the job done when snow arrives.”
Winter Weather Resources and Readiness:

  • $220 million set aside for winter weather
  • More than 2,300 VDOT crew members, not including additional contractors, available for snow removal statewide
  • Currently more than 10,200 pieces of snow-removal equipment, including trucks, loaders and motor graders
  • More than 702,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasives and more than 1.9 million gallons of liquid calcium chloride and salt brine

Real-time Progress: Online VDOT Snowplow Tracker

Across the state, if snow reaches two inches or more, VDOT activates an online snowplow tracking map. Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology is operational statewide. All VDOT-owned and contracted plows will be equipped with AVL, allowing them to be monitored on the snowplow tracker.

Be Prepared, Plan Ahead

During winter, it is important to regularly monitor weather forecasts and have a winter weather driving plan ahead of time. When inclement weather arrives, motorists are encouraged to visit 511virginia.org or call 511 for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions before travel.

For more information, visit VDOT’s winter weather page.

Nelson : UVA Makes It Official : New Pharmacy Opens in Nellysford

Tommy
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Nelson : UVA Makes It Official : New Pharmacy Opens in Nellysford

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

Since 2019 the pharmacy location in Nellysford has been vacant. After 32 years, in some form or location, Stoney Creek Pharmacy permanently closed that year. Bob Ladd, the founding owner, went back into business briefly to keep a pharmacy open in Nellysford, but ultimately shuttered it for good.

Rite Aid in Lovingston, which evolved into Walgreens, eventually closed leaving the area  without a regular, convenient retail pharmacy.  

Blue Ridge Medical Pharmacy in the far south end of the county generally follows clinic hours and is geographically located away from more densely populated areas.

Way back in 2005, then owner, the late Cheryl Tompkins (left) stands in front of the old Stoney Creek Pharmacy in Afton where the late Dr. Bob Raynor had his medical office. This is where the drug store was last located before it returned to Nellysford in 2006. UVA officially opened their new pharmacy on Monday – November 20, 2023

Cheryl above eventually closed the Afton location and moved it to Nellysford. She operated the pharmacy in Valley Green until 2013 when she sadly passed away from cancer. 

The pharmacy went through a couple of ownership changes after Cheryl died, but eventually closed. It all came full circle in December 2017 when Bob Ladd, the very first owner of Stoney Creek Pharmacy decades ago reopened the store.

Eventually Bob told me in a June 2019 interview, it just didn’t make financial sense to keep the store open and he was calling it quits.

Jeff Truslow, President of the Nelson Chamber of Commerce (right) is all smiles as he chats it up during the official opening of the UVA Stoney Creek Pharmacy in Nellysford on Monday – November 20, 2023.

Thankfully the new pharmacy is now open in Nellysford.

For more information on operating hours and additional services at the pharmacy, head on over to their website page here.

Welcome to Nellysford!

 

 

 

 

Weather Bulletin : Fire Weather Watch Begins Saturday Morning : 11.18.23

Tommy
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Weather Bulletin : Fire Weather Watch Begins Saturday Morning : 11.18.23

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1125 AM EST Fri Nov 17 2023

Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-
Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Fairfax-Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western Loudoun-
Eastern Loudoun-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Northwest Prince William-
Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-
1125 AM EST Fri Nov 17 2023

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE POTENTIAL OF ENHANCED SPREAD OF
WILDFIRES IN CENTRAL AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA...

The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has
issued a Fire Weather Watch for the potential of enhanced spread
of wildfires, which is in effect from Saturday morning through
Saturday afternoon.

* WINDS...Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 27 percent.

* IMPACTS...The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and
  strong gusty winds may result in favorable conditions for the
  rapid spread of fires.

* FUEL MOISTURE...10 to 15 percent for 10 hour fuels.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
may occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag
Warnings.

&&

$$
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1124 AM EST Fri Nov 17 2023

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH SATURDAY...

.A cold front tracks across the area tonight, with little or no
rain expected east of the mountains. Northwest winds will pick up
Saturday morning at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph
possible. At the same time, humidity levels will drop by the
afternoon into the 20 to 30 percent range.

VAZ022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059-180030-
/O.NEW.KRNK.FW.A.0002.231118T1200Z-231118T2300Z/
Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-
Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-
Charlotte-
1124 AM EST Fri Nov 17 2023

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE
ROANOKE AND SOUTHERN SHENANDOAH VALLEYS AND PIEDMONT OF
VIRGINIA...

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Fire
Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon.

* AFFECTED AREA...In Virginia, Fire Weather Zone 022 Roanoke,
  Fire Weather Zone 023 Botetourt, Fire Weather Zone 024
  Rockbridge, Fire Weather Zone 032 Patrick, Fire Weather Zone
  033 Franklin, Fire Weather Zone 034 Bedford, Fire Weather Zone
  035 Amherst, Fire Weather Zone 043 Henry, Fire Weather Zone
  044 Pittsylvania, Fire Weather Zone 045 Campbell, Fire Weather
  Zone 046 Appomattox, Fire Weather Zone 047 Buckingham, Fire
  Weather Zone 058 Halifax and Fire Weather Zone 059 Charlotte.

* WINDS...Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 to 30 percent.

* IMPACTS...The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and
  gusty winds may result in favorable conditions for the rapid
  spread of fires Saturday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

&&

$$

For more information from NOAA/National Weather Service visit
http://www.weather.gov/rnk/fire

Augusta : Truck Restrictions Extended On Reeds Gap Road

Tommy
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Augusta : Truck Restrictions Extended On Reeds Gap Road

Reeds Gap
Near the Augusta / Nelson County Line
Virginia

Restriction Signs Installed during the week of November 13, 2023

From VDOT-Staunton District

“During the week of November 13, 2023 the Virginia Department of Transportation installed truck route restriction signs for a portion of Route 664 (Reeds Gap Road) in Augusta County and Nelson County.

The signs display “No Thru Tractor Trailers” along with truck and route symbols. Route 664 has sharp curves, limited shoulders and is on steep terrain, making it unsuitable for tractor trailer traffic.

The new signs are located along Route 664 and on Route 610 (Howardsville Turnpike).

In 2021 truck restrictions were established on Route 664 between Route 814 (Love Road) in Augusta and Route 151 in Nelson counties. Signs identifying the restricted portion of road were erected in 2021.

In 2023 this restriction was extended from the intersection of Route 814 (Love Road) to the intersection of Route 610 in Augusta County. Additionally, Route 814 was restricted from the intersection with Route 664 to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

With the completion of the sign installation in November 2023, this change restricts all routes to through tractor trailers from the intersection of Route 664 with Route 610 to the Blue Ridge Parkway and provides trucks an alternative by using Route 610 to get redirected and avoid the restricted lanes.

Drivers of tractor trailer trucks that violate the truck restrictions can be subject to fines.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at http://www.511Virginia.org.

The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

The VDOT Staunton District is on Facebook and Twitter. Follow VDOT statewide accounts on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. The VDOT Web page is www.VirginiaDOT.org.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.”

Nelson : Emergency Ban On Burning Issued By BOS

Tommy
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Nelson : Emergency Ban On Burning Issued By BOS

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

As we mentioned earlier in an update on our coverage of the Afton Mountain brushfire here, the Nelson County Board of Supervisors has passed a local declaration of emergency due to drought conditions. A burn ban is also in place that prohibits outdoor burning on both public AND PRIVATE property.

Updated 11.17.23: Large Brushfire On Afton Mountain Causes Traffic Nightmare : Fire Contained – Normal Traffic Flowing

Tommy
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Updated 11.17.23: Large Brushfire On Afton Mountain Causes Traffic Nightmare : Fire Contained – Normal Traffic Flowing

Afton Mountain – I-64
Near the Nelson/Augusta/Albemarle County Line
Virginia

Updated 11.17.23

Though the fire on Afton Mtn is still burning it is completely contained and is under constant monitoring by fire crews. This is normal procedure by forestry teams.

Traffic was back to normal in the area by late Thursday night.

Real live traffic updates here from VA511.

“Description:
On I-64 at mile marker 100 in the County of Albemarle, motorists can expect delays due to a wildfire. The west right shoulder is closed. Traffic backups are approximately 6.0 miles.
Last updated:
Thu 11/16/2023 6:07 PM EST

Description:
On US-250 West in the County of Albemarle, in the vicinity of Critzers Shop Rd; VA-151N/S, motorists can expect delays due to congestion. Traffic backups are approximately 2.0 miles.
Last updated:
Thu 11/16/2023 5:59 PM EST”

Updated 4:30 PM – More video of chopper dumping water on Afton Mtn fire (video immediately below)


Updated 3:55 PM Choppers dump water from air on Afton Mtn Fire (video immediately below)

Updated 3:12 PM – Aerial helicopter water carrier on the way see video below.

Updated 2:53 PM – Aerial fire crews are about to begin attacking the fire from the air.
-Backups of traffic westbound 64 are now reported to be several additional miles

Original post 2:38 PM below
Around 2:15 PM Thursday about 20 acres was on fire at the top of Afton Mountain in the vicinity of miler marker 100.

Image via VDOT : Traffic is crawling along I-64 as a large brush fire is burning on Afton Mountain. Thursday – November 16, 2023

The fire started after a vehicle pulling a camper fire just before 1PM.

Fire crews from all over the area are being dispatched to help control the fire.

Bulletin : 2nd Day For Elevated/Enhanced Fire Danger Across Blue Ridge

Tommy
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Bulletin : 2nd Day For Elevated/Enhanced Fire Danger Across Blue Ridge

ELEVATED/ENHANCED FIRE DANGER TODAY

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
927 AM EST Wed Nov 15 2023
…ELEVATED FIRE DANGER THROUGH EARLY EVENING FOR NORTHERN AND
CENTRAL VIRGINIA, WESTERN MARYLAND, AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA…

Elevated fire weather conditions are expected through early
evening across northern and central Virginia, western Maryland, and
eastern West Virginia. Relative humidity values are expected to
drop back to around 20-35 percent this afternoon (lowest in far
western MD and the WV mountains, highest across the VA Piedmont
and eastern portions of the WV Panhandle). Winds will be out of
the south at around 5-10 mph with gusts to around 15 mph in most
locations, but locally higher along the Allegheny Front (10-15
mph, with gusts to 25 mph at times). 10-hour fuel moisture will be
as low as 10 or 11 percent.

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling
open flames or equipment that creates sparks. Also, dispose of
cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in
appropriate containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey
local burn bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree
litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. For more information
about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention
and eduction, please visit your state’s forestry or environmental
protection website.

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
841 AM EST Wed Nov 15 2023

VAZ007-009>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059-WVZ042>044-507-508-
152300-
Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-
Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-
Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-
Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-Mercer-Summers-
Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of Tazewell, Marion, Bland, Pearisburg,
Wytheville, Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, Independence, Whitetop,
Troutdale, Volney, Galax, Floyd, New Castle, Clifton Forge,
Covington, Hot Springs, Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle, Lexington,
Buena Vista, Stuart, Rocky Mount, Bedford, Amherst, Martinsville,
Danville, Lynchburg, Appomattox, South Boston, Keysville,
Bluefield, Flat Top, Hinton, Hix, Union, Lewisburg,
White Sulphur Springs, Alderson, Quinwood, Duo, and Rainelle
841 AM EST Wed Nov 15 2023

…ENHANCED FIRE DANGER TODAY…

Very low humidities this afternoon, along with ongoing drought
conditions will lead to an elevated fire danger risk today.

Humidity values will drop as low as 20 to 25 percent. Winds will
be from the south to southeast at 3 to 9 mph.

Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities on whether
you can burn. If you do burn, use extreme caution since fires can
quickly get out of hand under these conditions.

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